Power Your Future
Most internships have you fetching coffee. This one has you helping businesses avoid thousands in fines.
The Student Energy Management internship is a paid, real-world experience where high school students build professional skills while helping local businesses meet Washington State’s Clean Buildings requirements.
Base pay with potential to earn more
Hours per week, flexible scheduling
Students per team, working together
“This is not a classroom project or simulation. It’s real work, real clients, real responsibility — and real impact.”
You’re part of real climate action
Buildings are one of the biggest sources of energy use and carbon emissions. Washington State’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard requires larger commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency or face financial penalties.
Many business owners do not know where to start. SEM Advocates help them take the first step.
- Reduce energy waste
- Support smarter building operations
- Help businesses avoid costly fines
- Move your community toward sustainability
A paid internship with real responsibility
The Student Energy Management program is for high school students who want more than a typical part-time job.
You’ll work in a small team, supported by mentors and a broader SEM team, helping local businesses move toward compliance, lower energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
Real students. Real teamwork. Real impact.
SEM Advocates build skills, serve their community, and help move buildings forward.
What SEM Advocates actually do
As a Student Energy Manager Advocate, you help local businesses understand the process, connect with support, and move toward compliance.
Research
Identify buildings and local organizations that may be a fit for the program.
Outreach
Connect through email, phone, and in-person conversations.
Explain
Break down Clean Buildings requirements in a clear, approachable way.
Support
Help businesses understand Tier 2 incentive opportunities and next steps.
Follow Through
Stay organized, track progress, and keep projects moving forward.
Work as a Team
Collaborate with other students and mentors to solve real problems.
Experience you can use anywhere
This internship gives you practical experience at the intersection of business, communication, and sustainability.
- Communication and public speaking
- Teamwork and leadership
- Project management
- Problem solving
- Research and data awareness
- Sustainability and systems thinking
See where this can lead
Many fast-growing careers now combine business and sustainability. This program gives you early exposure to both.
- Clean energy and sustainability
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Marketing and communications
- Public policy and community impact
What a typical week looks like
A typical week as an SEM Advocate blends virtual teamwork with purposeful in-person sessions.
Students conduct outreach, gather building data, and work together to move projects forward.
They help building owners understand next steps, remove barriers that can slow progress, and track results as a team.
By week's end, buildings are advancing, energy goals are becoming more achievable, and students are building confidence through real, meaningful, team-based work.
You’ll be supported every step of the way
- Training on energy, sustainability, and communication
- Ongoing coaching and feedback
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Support in real-world situations
- A team you can rely on
This program is a strong fit for students who:
Care
Care about sustainability and community impact.
Communicate
Can speak clearly and respectfully with others.
Show Up
Take responsibility seriously and follow through.
Grow
Are open to feedback and willing to improve.
Try New Things
Are willing to step outside their comfort zone.
Work Together
Contribute to a team and shared success.
Tell us a little about yourself
Fill this out and click send. It will open an email draft addressed to skobel.b@gmail.com with the student’s information already filled in.
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